Johnson County Secondary Roads Smooth Dock Weed

Smooth Dock (Rumex altissimus)

Description: Smooth dock, also known as pale dock, is a perennial, reproducing by seeds only. The root is a large, fleshy taproot, somewhat branched and yellowish-brown in color. The stems are smooth with swollen nodes, erect, and up to 4 feet tall, with one or several stems arising from a single crown. The leaves are bright green, dense at the base, and nearly absent at the tip of the stem. The simple, oblong lanceolate leaves are alternate, smooth on the edges and lightly veined. They are borne on short petioles with papery sheaths surrounding the stem. The small flowers are green in a large conspicuous panicle at the tip of the stem and mature into a dark reddish-brown color. The seeds are shiny, three-angled, and reddish-brown in color.

Distribution: Smooth dock is common throughout Johnson County and Iowa but less so than curly dock. Smooth dock prefers moist, rich soil in roadsides, waste places, and pastures.

What’s The Problem?: Smooth dock forms dense stands which compete with row crops and native plants for nutrients and sunlight. Reduced crop yields can occur in infested areas. Wildlife habitat and native plant diversity can also be negatively affected by smooth dock. Another problem is that disturbed seed may sprout after being in the soil for many years

Management Methods: Similar to red sorrel, smooth dock can be controlled by several methods. Cultural (tillage, cultivation), mechanical (hand removal, mowing), and chemical methods are commonly used methods for control of red sorrel. If chemical management methods are chosen, always read and follow label directions closely.

Photo couresy of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains published by Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Welcome to Johnson County Secondary Smooth Dock Weed

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